Everything You Need To Know About Cat Litter Boxes

You've made up your mind that you want a cat. But before bringing one home, you should be aware of some of the important factors when owning a cat, like purchasing a cat litter box. After all, your new feline friend needs a special place where he can go relieve himself when he needs to, so it's important that you provide him with the proper condition for him to appropriately do his business.
 
This blog will help you figure out what type of litter box to buy for your cat and offer tips on how to keep it clean to make sure that your pet has a great experience using this portable toilet.
 
First, let's look at the different kinds of litter boxes to help you in your search.

5 Common Types of Cat Litter Boxes

Open Litter Boxes

Open litter boxes are just what they sound like. Open litter boxes look just like regular pans, with the only difference being that there is no cover in place at all. This type of litter box can't conceal odor and bacteria from spreading across your home, neither does it prevent your cat from hurling litter all over the floor.

Covered Litter Boxes

Covered or hooded litter boxes are the type of litter box with sides and roof. Your cat can come and go through a flap door. This is perfect for cats who prefer privacy when doing their thing. It could also become the perfect hiding spot for some stressed cats. 

Disposable Litter Pans

These pans are made from sturdy biodegradable material and as the name suggests, this is designed to be thrown after use. This kind of litter pan is perfect when you're going for a vacation, as it is easier to discard the entire pan than to dig through a week's worth of soiled cat litter.

Self-Cleaning Litter Boxes

Self cleaning litter boxes are similar to a typical litter box, the difference is that a self-cleaning litter box has sensors that detect when a cat uses it. The box rakes or flushes the garbage into a bin by itself rather than requiring you to scoop it up.
 This is ideal for busy cat owners as they do not need to check or clean the litter box on a daily basis.

Sifting Litter Boxes

This kind of cat throne is available in open and covered types. This litter box type has a few distinct compartments: one sifting pan with tiny holes and one or two trays with a solid surface. If you prefer a manual operations, the sifting litter box might be ideal as it will save you time from having to scoop used litter regularly.

Check out this guide if you'd like to know more about the different litter boxes available in the market.

How Big Should the Litter Box Be?

The next thing to consider is the size of the cat's litter box. Any type of litter box you choose should have enough room inside for your cat to comfortably squat and turn. Your cat's litter box should be equalled or a bit longer than your cat, measured from the top of their snout to the tip of their tail.

What Kind of Design Makes Up a Good Litter Box?

The answer to this question is simple: it has to be functional.
 
A functional litter box is one that can be conveniently cleaned without having to worry about the waste being thrown all over the place. It also needs to be easily accessible and used, so make sure your cat is capable or even enjoy using it.
 
If you want to keep your cat happy and healthy, you should provide them with a large enough litter box that's easy to get into. The ideal type will depend on both the preference of your cat and how physically fit he/she is. You'd also want to make sure it's sturdy, durable and easy to clean. Cats are notorious for flicking litter all over the place while they're doing their business and the last thing you want is a dirty litter box in your home so make sure that this particular item can stand up against such an ordeal!

How Many Litter Boxes Should You Have?

When it comes to using litter boxes, pet experts advise having a litter box based on the number of cats you own, plus an additional one. However, this doesn't mean that one litter box is not enough. You just need to clean it more frequently compare when you have more litter boxes.  

What Accessories Do You Need For Your Litter Box?

Although it's great to have a litter box that is effective at keeping your cat's waste contained, it's important to have a variety of accessories available.
 
One of the most essential accessories you'll need is a good scoop. As you'll use it to sift through your cat's urine and feces at least once a day, you'd want one with a well-designed size and is appropriate to the type of litter that you use. Your litter box might come with a scoop, but it's a good idea to invest in one that meets your needs. 

Next up, consider buying a litter mat which will help prevent litter tracking across the floors of your home. Double-layered mats will also collect split litter so you can reuse them, saving money in the long run.

Some pet owners, especially those living in a more compact apartment or using open litter boxes, invest in an odor filter to make sure their apartments remain fresh and clean. A good odor filter eliminates unwanted odors that get into the air, reducing bad smells dramatically.  

Where Should You Set-up Your Cat Litter Box?

It's important that the entrance and exit be accessible so that your cat can easily get to the litter box when needed. Place the litter box at a more discreet, quiet spot - most cats prefers a more private space to do their business without any disturbance. 
 
If you have more than one cat, it is best if you provide multiple litter boxes within your home. This will help your cat feel more comfortable and less stressed when they need to use the bathroom. Make sure to spread out the litter boxes across different rooms so as not to make one area seem like a communal bathroom for your felines. It's also important to leave plenty of space between these boxes – that way cats can keep their distance from each other while they do their business. 

How To Choose Cat Litter?

Now that you've decided on the ideal cat litter box for your furry friend, it's time to choose what goes into the box - the perfect cat litter for your cat. Choosing the right litter that meets your cat's behavioral needs as well as your lifestyle will make a huge difference. Take a look at this guide to understand what choices you have and how to select the best one to go with the cat litter box you own. 

How Much Litter Should You Use?

If you are not aware of the amount of litter that your cat requires, it can be very frustrating to ‌figure out how much litter you should use. You should start by adhering to the manufacturer's recommendations for cat litter. The amount of litter recommended for use is usually included on the packaging, and this suggested quantity will ensure the optimal performance of the litter you've purchased.

As a general guideline, depending on the type of the litter box you have, fill the box with two to three inches of litter, or up to 2/3 of the litter box's height. If you know that your cat enjoys digging, it is preferable to use up to four inches. Observe your cat's behavior and make adjustments.

How Often Should You Clean The Litter Boxes?

Cleaning the litter box is an important part of your cat's routine. It's important to scoop out urine and feces at least once a day, but it's also important to thoroughly clean the litter box with mild detergent regularly. The frequency of cleaning your cat's litter box might vary depending on a number of factors, but it typically needs to be done once a month. In between cleaning, you should refill fresh litter to make sure there's enough for your cat's daily use.

How to make sure your cat uses the litter box?

It's always best to train your pet from the beginning and it will help later on. If your pet does pee outside of their potty bowl, there are things you can do and put in place that will make the situation much better - so don't worry!

Here are a few things that you can do to stop your cat from peeing outside its litter box:

• Inspect the size of the litter box and make sure it's appropriate for your pet's size.
• Make sure there's enough litter in the box.
• Check if there are any obstructions or problems with accessibility that might cause stress or anxiety in your cat.
• Scoop the litter box at least once a day. Cats love a clean space!
• Change the litter - it might happen if you're switching to a new brand or type
• Other behavirol issues - check with your vet just to be sure.

Choosing the right litter box and maintaining it regularly can make a world of difference. The best cat litter box is the one that is accessible to your cat and always kept clean. Scooping daily is the best way to keep your litter box in its best condition. Use the right litter to avoid unwanted odors. You'll be doing yourself a tremendous favor by preventing many potential problems in the long run. Always remember to take good care of your pet and keep its well-being in mind.